~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Capt. John David “Jack” Crofton
March 15, 1946 ~ April 15, 2025
Sharing news from family and friends….the passing
of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain John “Jack” David Crofton, age
79. Jack joined Delta Air Lines 01-13-1977
and was Atlanta based. Our information
is limited but for those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s
residence listed in whitepages as
413 Cottonwood Cir, Peachtree City, GA 30269
If more is learned in the days ahead, we will post
an update.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
PCN memorial site
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/42026368/john-crofton
https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/John-Crofton?obId=42026368
John Crofton Obituary
An obituary is forthcoming.
No services are scheduled at this time.
We welcome you to provide your condolences,
thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall.
Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service,
Peachtree City, www.mowells.com
Family facebook posting: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jack%20crofton
With deep sadness, I share that my oldest brother
Jack peacefully passed away early this morning, surrounded by those who loved
him most. Jack was a beloved brother to Sally, Rich, Tom, Phil, and myself, a
devoted husband to Cecelia, a loving father to Jordan, and a cherished
grandfather to James. His presence in our lives was truly special, and while
our hearts are heavy with grief, we are grateful for the time we shared with
him. Jack's memory will forever remain in our hearts.
We regret to inform you of the
passing of Cecelia's husband, Jack (retired Delta captain), on April
15th. Please keep Cecelia, their family and friends as they face this
difficult time.
Jack Crofton
passed away peacefully at his home on April 15, 2025, at the age of 79, with
his beloved wife, Cecelia, and their daughter, Jordan at his side. A true
gentleman, his integrity, kindness, and quiet strength touched all who knew
him. Despite a valiant battle with dementia in his final years, Jack
faced his challenges with remarkable courage, grace, and an unwavering
spirit. He will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in
Canton, a fitting tribute to his distinguished service. A service and
celebration of his extraordinary life will be announced at a later date.
Born on March 15, 1946, Jack was raised in San Francisco until the age of 16,
followed by a family move to Chicago for one year and then on to LaGrange,
Georgia, where he completed his senior year of high school. He graduated
in 1969 from St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama.
Jack’s passion for aviation was the cornerstone of his career. He served
with distinction in the United States Air Force, both on active duty and in the
reserves, retiring as a major in 1990. He flew the C-141 and C-5 aircraft
and was based at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, Travis AFB in
California and Dover AFB in Delaware. Among other ribbons, he was awarded
an Air Medal for heroism, outstanding achievement and meritorious service while
participating in aerial flights, a testament to his unwavering commitment to
duty.
In 1977, Jack embarked on a storied civilian career as a pilot with Delta Air
Lines, rising through the ranks to retire in 2005 as a Captain on the Boeing
777. Based in Boston, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta, he
navigated the skies with precision and pride. Retirement from Delta did
not dim his love for flying; he continued to soar with Citation Shares for a
year, then ventured to India to fly for Jet Airways for two years. His
final chapter in aviation was spent imparting his vast expertise as a simulator
instructor at Delta for six years, mentoring the next generation of pilots with
patience and wisdom.
At the heart of Jack’s life was his family. He was a beloved husband,
father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. Married to
Cecelia for 36 years, he was a devoted husband whose love for her never
wavered. As a hands-on father, he took immense pride in his daughter,
Jordan, nurturing her with steadfast support and celebrating her every
milestone. The arrival of his grandson, James, brought him boundless
joy. Jack cared deeply about his five siblings and their families - Rich
(Meg), Tom (Mary Ann), Phil (Pat), Ed (Janet), and Sally (James). His
family brought immense purpose to his life.
Jack’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds. An avid sailor, skier, surfer,
cyclist, camper, and hiker, he explored the world with an insatiable
curiosity. He ran over 20 marathons, spent hundreds of hours underwater
as a skilled scuba diver, and traveled all over the world. Jack’s legacy
is one of integrity, service, and an unyielding appreciation for life’s
beauty. His gentle wisdom, infectious laughter, and warm presence left an
indelible mark on all who crossed his path.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eileen and Jack Crofton, his infant
sister, Mary Eileen, and his niece, Morgan Crofton. He is survived by his
wife, Cecelia Jordan Crofton, his daughter, Jordan Crofton Reynolds (Jamie),
his grandson, James, as well as his siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins and
dear friends, all of whom will carry his light forward.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Amy, Tara, and Kylyn of Caring Hands Elderly
Care, and to the compassionate caregivers at Somerby who affectionately knew
him as “Captain Jack.” The family also expresses deep appreciation to
Southern Grace Hospice for their loving support in Jack’s final days, ensuring
he was surrounded by comfort and dignity.
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